2017 Mazda CX-5: Redesigned Model Features Styling Elements From CX-9, CX-3; To Get 2.2-Liter Skyactiv-D Engine Post-Launch

Just yesterday, Mazda proudly announced its 2017 CX-5 crossover that is expected to bring the Japanese carmaker’s 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel engine to the U.S. market. The redesigned model will not only feature the new engine, but it will also arrive with styling changes that borrow elements from its siblings.

Mazda has confirmed at the L.A. auto show that its new CX-5 is indeed coming with the 2.2-liter Skyactiv diesel engine on top of two other engine variants: a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter Skyactiv gas variant. According to Car and Driver, the Skyactiv-D typically makes around 173 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Unfortunately, this engine variant will not be available at launch. Consumers who want to secure the version with 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D would have to wait for the model that’s expected to hit the U.S. market in the second half of 2017.

Speaking of its redesigned body, AutoWeek claims that the 2017 Mazda CX-5 borrows certain styling cues from the CX-9. On the other hand, there are also sources saying that the small crossover has similar design with the CX-3. Both assumptions are actually true, since the Japanese automaker built the new CX-5 with its famous Kodo design language that’s present in most of its cars. What the company did to make the 2017 CX-5 stand out is enhance the Kodo concept.

“For the design, we settled on ‘refined toughness’ as our keyword and challenged ourselves to elevate the Kodo concept to a new level. Inspired by traditional Japanese crafts, we pursued a minimalist aesthetic free of all non-essential elements,” Mazda CX-5 program manager Masaya Kodama said in a statement.

AutoWeek pointed out the main differences of the 2017 model from its predecessor, and the auto reviews and news site said that for the new version, Mazda decided to eliminate the aggressive creases in the side sheetmetal of the vehicle. However, the car still remains to have an aggressive exterior, thanks to its new front fascia that comes with a new grille and strikingly thin headlamps.

When it comes to the interior of the car, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 features the all-new two-step reclining seat mechanism that makes sitting a joy for passengers. The car features a redesigned infotainment system, which comes with a 7-inch screen. There is also another version of the infotainment system that comes with a 4.6-inch display and a 10-speakerBose sound system. For interior packages, buyers can choose from white or black leather or black cloth. Then, there is also an option that adds natural wood paneling as part of the interior accents and overall design.

Mazda is tight-lipped about the transmissions that would be available to choose from, but car review sites are expecting the crossover to launch with either a six-speed manual for the entry-level or a six-speed automatic standard for the more premium trims. Fuel-economy estimates are also not available as of this time, but the Japanese carmaker assured everyone at the auto show that the new CX-5 would come with a diesel engine that would make the car “one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.”

The original Mazda CX-5 was released back in 2012. In just a short span of time, the model quickly surpassed the Mazda3 compact car as the best-selling unit in the U.S. market. Per Automotive News, the CX-5 has performed quite well in the market that it sold 111,450 units last year and sold 91,381 units for the first 10 months of 2016.

Mazda is launching the 2017 CX-5 in February 2017 in Japan first before rolling the vehicle out to the U.S. market. Official pricing is not available as of late, but it’s not unlikely for the new models to follow the same pricing of the previous models. Should this happen, the Sport model could also start at around $22,500.